CBS Sports Network’s continued coverage of the 2024 college football season features four games scheduled for Week 6, with the first weeknight game of the year taking place ahead of Saturday’s doubleheader. The action kicks off Thursday night with an interesting Conference USA showdown between in-state foes Sam Houston and UTEP.
Sam Houston is one win away from tying the program’s highest number of wins in CUSA (two wins), while the Miners are looking to make it to the league after losing to Liberty in their opening game. On Friday night, Kennesaw State hosts Jacksonville State to take on CUSA again. The Owls moved from the FCS in the offseason and will make their league debut.
Saturday’s schedule begins at noon ET when the University of Massachusetts travels to Northern Illinois. Shortly after, UW hosts Temple as the Huskies look to continue their recent winning streak. While most teams have a bye week at this point, this will be the Owls’ sixth straight game and third road game in that span.
Once the Week 6 games begin, CBS Sports Network will be with you every step of the way. In the meantime, check out the info, storyline, betting odds and more for each matchup.
Always Eastern | SportsLine Consensus Odds
Sam Houston at UTEP
Date: Thursday, October 3 | Time: 9pm
Location: Sunbowl — El Paso, Texas
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live Stream: CBSSports.com |Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: Sam Houston -10.5 |Will the Bearkats cover? Check out SportsLine’s Week 6 predictions here
Sam Houston has one of the best storylines this season. The Bearkats have only won three games in 2023, their first year at the FBS level after transitioning from the FCS, but they have already surpassed that total amid a strong start. They rank second in Conference USA in offensive scoring (30 points per game) and third in defensive scoring (24.4 points). Three of the five wins were by 18 points or more. Meanwhile, UTEP is looking for its first win under new coach Scotty Walden.
Jacksonville and Kennesaw State
Date: Friday, October 4th | Time: 7pm
Location: Fifth Third Stadium — Kennesaw, Georgia
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live Stream: CBSSports.com |Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: Jacksonville State -14.5 |Will Shamcock cover? Check out SportsLine’s Week 6 predictions here
The FBS transition hasn’t gone well for Kennesaw State. The Owls have lost four straight by at least two possessions and are still looking for their first win. That includes a recent 24-13 loss to FCS UT-Martin, which was still 1-3 in Week 5 games. As for Jacksonville State, it appears as if the first-year FBS magic is over. The Siamcocks earned their first win on September 21 with a 37-point rout of Southern Miss, but prior to that they had lost three straight. Friday night gives both teams a chance to really set their tone.
Massachusetts State University in Northern Illinois
Date: Saturday, October 5 | Time: Noon
Location: Husky Stadium — DeKalb, Illinois
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live Stream: CBSSports.com |Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: Northern Illinois -17.5 |Will the Huskies cover? Check out SportsLine’s Week 6 predictions here
Back-to-back losses to North Carolina State and the University at Buffalo may have ended Northern Illinois’ College Football Playoff hopes, but the Huskies are still in the thick of the MAC race. Since UMass is still independent, this game won’t count toward the conference standings, but it’s a harbinger of things to come when the Minutemen join the MAC in 2025. UMass has lost six straight games against FBS opponents, dating back to an Oct. 28, 2023 win over Army. It won’t be easy to pick up the slack against Northern Illinois, but coach Don Brown’s team will catch the Huskies after two tough games.
University College Temple
Date: Saturday, October 5 | Time: 3:30 PM ET
Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field — East Hartford, CT
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live Stream: CBSSports.com |Mobile: CBS Sports App (Free)
Spread: UConn -16.5 |Will the Huskies cover? Check out SportsLine’s Week 6 predictions here
If you haven’t been paying attention to the UConn football renaissance, it’s your own fault. It turns out the UW basketball team isn’t the only one capable of dragging opponents into submission. The Huskies are 3-1 since losing to Maryland in the season opener, and have won their last two games — against FBS opponents, mind you — by an average margin of 39 points. The Huskies are on track to make their second bowl game appearance in three years under coach Jim Mora. A win against Temple would put them at least two games behind.